There comes a point when you have to make a choice: do you raise the white flag and sink or do you accept the path God chose for you and swim...

Monday, January 19, 2015

Where my faith comes from

"I'm trying hard not to think you unkind

Rick and me at our cousin's wedding - August 1995

But Heavenly Father If you know my heart Surely you can read my mind Good people underneath the sea of grief Some get up and walk away Some will find ultimate relief"

~ "Home Free" by Wayne Watson

The first time I heard this song 19 years ago was a defining moment in
my life. It was the last song played at my brother's funeral and when I
heard it that day, it was in that moment that my parents' faith impacted
me in a way that would change my life forever. I grew up in a Christian
home but their faith really didn't make an impression on me until my
brother was murdered. Here they were, burying their only son and rather
than walking away from their God, they clung to Him even tighter. They
wanted to make sure that not only was Rick's funeral service a
celebration of his life, but also a way to minister/witness to family
and friends the message of salvation, that they too could be "Home Free"
and see Rick's smiling face again. It's because of my parents' example
during that time and in the years that have followed that I have the
faith that I have. They showed me that faith will get you through
anything. It has gotten me through the last 19 years and will get me
through the next 19 and beyond.